MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- If Mackinac Island is a bucket list getaway (and it is, for people the world over), picture my bucket as one that is either jumbo-sized or has a slow leak.

Over the years, I've refilled that bucket with getaways of every form -- from romantic outings and girlfriend gatherings to chaperoning student field trips -- and in every season, mid-winter included.

On some trips, my luggage and I have settled into grand rooms at the Grand Hotel, on others, I've stretched out on a bunk bed in a budget B&B. Some outings have focused on food or fudge, others on history, bikes and hikes.

And while I've mostly donned casual clothes great for exploring, I've also gone true Victorian (for the annual "Somewhere in Time" weekend), dressing in authentic 1910-era bonnets and more.

The best trips, I've discovered, wrap in the island's history and lore, its striking geology and views and new perspectives, some gained quite literally by donning a different hat. There is always room in that bucket, I've found, for more.

_________________The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. – H. L. Mencken

Mackinac Island -- Michigan's go-to destination for fudge and vacation relaxation -- was the fifth most violent city in the state, ahead of Flint, according to 2016 FBI crime statistics that were released earlier this month.

That's why I always pack heat when I go there Bob. You never know. If more people carried, there would be way less violence. And as far as the violence, just try getting the last piece of hot fudge standing in line right in front of a 15 year old kid who is 5'5" 235 lbs. You might not see the next day brah.

DWags wrote:That's why I always pack heat when I go there Bob. You never know. If more people carried, there would be way less violence. And as far as the violence, just try getting the last piece of hot fudge standing in line right in front of a 15 year old kid who is 5'5" 235 lbs. You might not see the next day brah.

yeah, after seeing these FBI stats, I think the last place I wanna be is between a pre-diabetic 15 year old Croc-wearin' kid and a slice of fudge.

MACKINAW CITY - Here's something you already knew. The Grand Hotel is one of the best resorts in the United States.

The staff at SmarterTravel, an online publication managed by TripAdvsor, know that, too, because they named the 393-room landmark on Mackinac Island one of the 12 best all-inclusive resorts in America on Nov. 14.

The Grand Hotel is listed alongside vacation destinations such as Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii, Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.

_________________The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. – H. L. Mencken

MACKINAW CITY - Here's something you already knew. The Grand Hotel is one of the best resorts in the United States.

The staff at SmarterTravel, an online publication managed by TripAdvsor, know that, too, because they named the 393-room landmark on Mackinac Island one of the 12 best all-inclusive resorts in America on Nov. 14.

The Grand Hotel is listed alongside vacation destinations such as Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii, Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.

it's at the very top of my list.

in fact, I'm having my suit pressed and my penny loafers shined as I type this.

MACKINAW CITY - Here's something you already knew. The Grand Hotel is one of the best resorts in the United States.

The staff at SmarterTravel, an online publication managed by TripAdvsor, know that, too, because they named the 393-room landmark on Mackinac Island one of the 12 best all-inclusive resorts in America on Nov. 14.

The Grand Hotel is listed alongside vacation destinations such as Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii, Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.

I simply must give Grand Hotel CHRISTmas tree ornaments to family and friends this year, as a pre-gift gift.

I'm gonna give my Grand Hotel friends all an insulin pump this year to celebrate the birth of christ.

It's weird, for all the time I spent in the Northern Lower and the few times I've been on the island, I've yet to eat fudge. Im more proud of having never purchased one of the ten million styles of fug t-shirts.

_________________There's the right way, the wrong way, and the GreenWay.

Robert J Sakimano wrote:I'm gonna give my Grand Hotel friends all an insulin pump this year to celebrate the birth of christ.

It's weird, for all the time I spent in the Northern Lower and the few times I've been on the island, I've yet to eat fudge. Im more proud of having never purchased one of the ten million styles of fug t-shirts.